Over the holidays, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy patterns. Now that the holidays are over and we’re focusing on the coming year, I want to look into the big WHY behind this trend.
When I overindulge or let bad habits take over the goals I have set for my health, what’s really happening is I’m not being present and conscious – I’m going into autopilot mode.
When we’re totally present, in tune with our bodies and our behaviors, it’s easier to tend to the messages our body is sending. It’s easier to eat healthy foods that nourish us, sleep when we need it, do yoga or meditate when we’re stressed, and engage in healthy, loving, accepting self-talk.
When we’re on autopilot, we aren’t really present, and that’s when we tend to gravitate back towards old, unhealthy patterns.
I confess that I’m guilty of falling back into some bad habits myself over the holidays, and these are the steps I’ve been taking to get myself back on track in the new year. I encourage you to try them too:
- Have protein within an hour of waking. I love my morning protein shake because it makes this habit so easy!
- Exercise in the morning – no excuses. It only takes a few minutes, for real. Check out the 7-minute workout (there’s even an app).
- Drink at least 64 oz water per day. We docs always say “the solution to pollution is dilution,” and it’s true. Try it.
- Rewire your internal dialogue. Start listening to the messages you send yourself. Be present to your own mind chatter. Too often we’re sending negative messages like “I’m so fat” or “I’m so stupid.” You are neither of these things! You are loveable and beautiful. We all are. Own it and tell yourself daily or hourly if necessary!
- Set a goal for the year and visualize completing it. As the great Stephen Covey (of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People) said, “Begin with the end in mind” and then chart the course you need to take to get there.
Wishing you the best in health and happiness in 2015!
Dr. Jen